Voice star Saskia Eng to perform at Local Hero awards

SHE has wowed audiences up and down the country with her stunning voice and literally turned the heads of some of the biggest names in music.

Saskia Eng starred in The Voice UK. Picture: Contributed

But now, capital singing sensation Saskia Eng is set to play in front of a home crowd as she prepares to perform in front of a home crowd at the Edinburgh Evening News Local Hero awards ceremony.

The teenager reached the knockout stage of ITV talent contest The Voice UK, receiving coaching from stars including Sir Tom Jones and Black Eyed Peas singer will.i.am.

Saskia, 16, a student at the city of Edinburgh music school, exited the competition in the Battle Rounds, losing out to fellow teenager Donel Mangena.

However she revealed she was “hugely excited” about performing at the awards ceremony on Friday, June 15.

The event, sponsored by Farmer Autocare, aims to shine a light on capital and Lothians residents whose bravery and hard work has gone unnoticed.

We have asked readers to nominate their unsung heroes in the capital with more than 100 entries so far.

And with nominations closing on Wednesday, May 9, Saskia encouraged other to get their votes in ahead of the ceremony at the Assembly Rooms in less than two months time.

She said: “It is really exciting to be performing at the Local Hero awards, I’m sure it will be a fantastic night.”

“It is a great event, there are so many deserving people who will be going up to receive their awards and obviously being in front of an audience of people from across the city will be a fantastic experience.”

Saskia, who previously won the Edinburgh’s Got Talent contest at the age of 12, revealed she was still mulling over her set list ahead of the ceremony, but admitted she preferred to perform in front of a live crowd.

She said: “Getting up on stage to perform is just what I do naturally. There is a lot less pressure than doing it in front of a TV audience and I definitely find it more fun.”

Nominations for one of 13 awards including Carer of the Year, Community Champion, Teacher of the Year, Health Champion, Neighbour of the Year and Parent or Guardian of the Year can be made online.

Other categories include Inspirational Young Adult, Fundraiser of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Child of Achievement, Sporting Hero Award and the Bravery Award.

The evening is rounded off with the overall Local Hero award - currently held by Olympic cycling champion Callum Skinner after he raced to gold in the Rio games in 2016.

Euan McGrory, deputy editor of the Edinburgh Evening News, said: “Sir Tom Jones and Will.i.am think Saskia is incredible and so do I.”

“She blew audiences away when she appeared on The Voice, just like she has been doing in Edinburgh for years.”

He added: “We are in for a treat to have her performing at the awards night.”

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